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Manchester City have renewed their interest in signing West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice, according to a report.

The Lowdown: Rice set to leave

Rice’s current contract is set to expire at the end of next season, meaning West Ham could look to cash in at the end of this campaign, although a deal will be very expensive, with David Moyes previously saying £100m would be cheap.

Man City have been linked with the midfielder in the past, however there has been more recent talk about him signing for Chelsea, who are said to be speaking about a deal, while Liverpool are also ‘really interested’.

The Latest: Interest renewed

According to a report from 90min, the Sky Blues have renewed their interest in the Englishman, who is expected to move on at the end of the campaign, in order to fulfil his ambition of winning trophies.

It is stated that City could look to sign the 24-year-old as a potential replacement for Ilkay Gundogan, whose future at the club is not guaranteed, while there are also doubts about Kalvin Phillips.

The Verdict: Get it done?

Given that Man City have won four out of the last five Premier League titles, they are seemingly well-placed to sign the England international, as there is no doubt that a move to the Etihad Stadium would allow him to compete for silverware.

Lauded as ‘utterly sensational’ by sections of the media, the maestro’s passing ability would make him very well-suited to a Pep Guardiola side, averaging a completion rate of 89.4% over the past year, a figure that places him in the 93rd percentile compared to other midfielders.

There are also indications that he would be an upgrade on Gundogan, at least defensively speaking, averaging more interceptions, blocks and tackles per 90 than the German over the past year.

The one thing that could potentially hinder City in their pursuit of Rice is the uncertainty at the club in light of the recent Premier League charges, however if they are able to win the race, he would be an excellent addition to the squad.

Manchester United are reportedly in the mix to sign Atletico Paranaense sensation, Vitor Roque, with the promising teenager currently attracting the attention of a host of Europe’s top clubs.

What’s the latest on Roque to Man Utd?

According to journalist Jack Gallagher, the Red Devils are said to be one of a number of Premier League clubs who are keeping tabs on the highly-rated 17-year-old at present, albeit with La Liga giants Barcelona believed to be the frontrunners to sign the eye-catching Brazilian.

Writing on Twitter about that interest, the transfer insider stated:

“Understand that Barcelona are leading the race to sign FM23 legend Vitor Roque. Man Utd, Arsenal, West Ham and Newcastle are all also interested in the forward.”

As per the attached piece for 90min, the striker’s current side are unlikely to be able to keep hold of their prise asset – who reportedly has a release clause of around €60m (£53m) – for too much longer, such is the intense level of interest.

How good could Roque and Garnacho be at Old Trafford?

Lauded as “one of the most talented Brazilian players of his generation” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Roque has corroborated that claim with his recent displays for his country in the U20 South American Championship.

The 5 foot 8 dynamo played a vital role in helping to drag Brazil to glory in that competition for the first time since 2011, having scored six goals and provided one assist in eight outings – with that tally of goals only matched by Chelsea’s recent addition, Andrey Santos.

That explosive form follows what has been a scintillating start to life at senior level for the exciting forward at Paranaense, as he already boasts a haul of seven goals and three assists in just 36 appearances, after previously scoring six goals in only 16 games for his former club Cruzeiro.

Clearly a player who possesses “crazy potential”, according to Kulig, Roque has also earned the acclaim of being compared to compatriot – and footballing icon – Ronaldo, while his former boss Luiz Felipe Scolari also stated last year:

“He is someone who knows how to play in that area of the pitch, is able to constantly find space and participates well in other aspects of the game. He is the kind of No.9 that I wouldn’t have wanted to mark when I was playing.

“He will grow a lot. He will be one of the players that Brazil will gain great pleasure from, and we will see if he will continue to develop in the position he plays.”

That would suggest that Erik ten Hag could have a real diamond on his hands if Roque is to make the move to Old Trafford this summer, with there a potential for the Timoteo native to form a scintillating attacking partnership with Alejandro Garnacho in the years to come.

The current United ace has enjoyed a real breakthrough campaign thus far under the former Ajax head coach, with the 18-year-old having already provided eight goal contributions across all competitions, including two goals and two assists in the Premier League.

The Argentine “game-changer” – as described by journalist Samuel Luckhurst – has rightly been receiving the plaudits for his standout form this season, having been described as “dangerous” by club legend Pual Scholes and “unstoppable” by pundit Darren Bent.

With the former Atletico Madrid asset typically lining up on the flanks, he could form part of a ferocious forward line including himself and Roque, with the pair clearly offering a real potent threat in the final third despite their youth.

That deadly duo could prove to be a pairing that Ten Hag can build his side around for the long term at the Theatre of Dreams.

Glasgow Rangers continued their fine start under Michael Beale in midweek, securing a routine 3-0 victory with many claiming the performance to be the best under his leadership so far.

With nine wins from ten matches since replacing Giovanni van Bronckhorst in November, Beale has rejuvenated Rangers and given them an injection of confidence. However, reeling in their Glasgow arch-rivals – who are nine points ahead at the summit of the Premiership table – could prove a bridge too far, but the two domestic cups will certainly be eyed.

With matches coming thick and fast over the next few months, squad rotation will be key, and Beale may well switch up his starting XI ahead of the match against Ross County this afternoon, as he must fully unleash one of his January signings…

Todd Cantwell was one of two additions to the squad during the January transfer window, alongside Nicolas Raskin, and the former Norwich midfielder has already made a solid impression at Rangers. The 24-year-old – who was dubbed “exciting to watch” by journalist David Freezer – started against St Johnstone at Ibrox last weekend in the Light Blue’s straightforward 2-0 victory.

As per Sofascore, he enjoyed a solid if unspectacular debut, taking 55 touches while achieving an 88% pass success rate during his 63 minutes on the pitch, and it was pleasing to see a new midfielder in the team.

Against Hearts in midweek, he came off the bench with just 14 minutes left and left a positive imprint on the team which should convince Beale to unleash him from the start against Ross County today.

The Englishman achieved a Sofascore rating of 7/10 for his cameo against the Jam Tarts while taking 25 touches, completing 90% of his passes, winning 100% of his duels and making one key pass, giving Rangers that add a bit of spark in the final quarter of the match.

The Athletic’s Jordan Campbell was full of praise for Cantwell afterwards as he took to Twitter to discuss his performance, saying: “Cantwell has been superb since he came on. Nearly every time he has got on the ball he has dribble past someone or produced a lovely pass.”

Rangers are riding on a wave of confidence at the moment, and everyone seems to be buying into Beale’s philosophy.

Cantwell appears to have settled in at Ibrox with ease, and his impressive cameo against Hearts may just have earned him a start this afternoon.

Leeds United have already bolstered both their attack and defence this January, but it is clear with the persistent links to the likes of Azzedine Ounahi that they are not finished.

Whites director of football Victor Orta remains on the lookout for another midfielder to add to the side, adding depth and quality across all areas of the pitch as they look to distance themselves from the relegation battle.

Whilst they are two points from bottom, they are also only two wins away from 12th in the table too, such is the tightness and unpredictability of the Premier League this season.

It is a league that will be decided upon fine margins, and therefore they must not hesitate if a viable option comes available on the market.

Therefore, the suggestion they could move for Lens’ Seko Fofana is one they should welcome and actively explore.

Boasting a reported €40m (£35m) price tag, the Whites have already shown that they are willing to spend big this window as they smashed their record transfer with a move for Georginio Rutter.

Whilst striker was a position of utmost importance, a physical machine such as the Ivory Coast international could be the final piece to complete their midfield.

The 27-year-old could form a remarkable partnership in the engine room alongside the workmanlike Tyler Adams, who would offer Fofana the creative license to flex his offensive muscles.

This season has seen the Ivory Coast enforcer record eight goal contributions, as he has dominated games with his all-around exceptional ability.

Whilst ranking in the top 3% for total shots when compared with other midfielders around Europe, he also ranks in the top 3% for dribbles completed. When he is in full flow with the ball at his feet, Fofana becomes near unstoppable, via FBref.

This is supplemented by the claims of journalist Said Amdaa, who once labelled him:

“Unplayable in midfield with monster activity. Recoverer/scorer. Very reliable, the captain”.

To pair this with the defensive exploits of Adams, who this season has averaged 4.2 tackles per 90 alongside an 83% pass accuracy, would be a stroke of genius, would outlining the USA international as a calming presence beside the all-action Fofana.

It could be a match made in heaven for manager Jesse Marsch, who is surely seeking that final addition to cap off a wonderful transfer window.

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery is looking to stamp his authority on his squad after making a promising start to his tenure in the Midlands, and could move for an industrious midfielder this January…

What’s the word?

According to Calciomercato, the Villans are considering a swoop for Juventus star Weston McKennie this month, amid reports of the player’s availability and the Old Lady’s financial difficulties. 

Meanwhile, InterLive.it claims that Emery is serious about completing the transfer, and will push to lodge a formal bid in the coming weeks.  

Should the pieces fall into place, it will take an offer of at least £22m, as quoted within the aforementioned report, to prise him away from Turin clutches but with Emery aspiring to craft a squad capable of challenging for a European spot and challenging for cup triumph, McKennie might well be enticed by the prospect.  

Bye-bye Dendoncker?

When Steven Gerrard was relieved of his duties as head coach earlier this season after just 11 months in charge, the Villa were gravely concerned about the threat of relegation despite a summer transfer window that saw the club part with roughly £62m. 

Since the distinguished Emery has taken the wheel, fortunes have swiftly changed and three wins have been taken from just five Premier League matches with the Spaniard in the dugout, preceded by a 4-0 drubbing over Brentford in the period preceding the new managerial arrival. 

These three victories account for half of the total three-point grabs the outfit have taken this term, and the winter transfer market now creates the opportunity to cement the newfound promising position.

By signing McKennie, once lauded as “extraordinary” by the German Bundesliga official website, a new sheen of control would be coated over Villa Park like glimmering lacquer. 

The 41-cap USMNT international is tenacious, composed and energetic; he has made 17 appearances for his club this season, scoring three goals – including two in the Champions League – and one assist from his central deployment.

And as per FBref, he ranks within the top 10% of midfielders for non-penalty goals this season, and the top 8% for progressive passes received and touches within the offensive box.

His direct offensive approach, combined with his industrious abilities as a box-to-box midfielder, would indeed give Emery an additional tool to wield, providing solid defensive cover and an attacking threat from behind the frontline.

He could be a stellar addition to the side, an upgrade on the likes of Leander Dendoncker, whose form has yo-yoed since his £13m arrival from Midlands rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers in the summer.

Dendoncker has recorded an average rating of 6.74 in the Premier League this season, starting on just five occasions; McKennie offers a more impressive 6.82, starting on ten occasions in a resurgent Juve team that currently perches in third place with six successive victories.

Once hailed as a “monster in the air” by CBS Sports reporter Wes Rucker, the 24-year-old machine would bolster the Villa Park centre and provide an all-encompassing presence to lift the club to new heights under the tutelage of the ambitious Emery.

The Rangers Review journalist Joshua Barrie praised Malik Tillman for his ‘incredible feet’ in the build-up to Alfredo Morelos scoring for Glasgow Rangers on Thursday.

The Lowdown: Hard-fought win

In Michael Beale’s first game in charge, the Ibrox outfit had to come from behind twice at home after Ryan Porteous and Kevin Nisbet had given the visitors the lead, as Fashion Sakala, Ryan Jack and Morelos found themselves on the scoresheet in a dramatic 3-2 win.

The Colombia international may have stolen most of the headlines, but it was Tillman that danced his way through the Hibernian defence to assist his team-mate, while he is also grabbed another assist for Jack’s goal.

The Latest: Tillman praised

Taking to Twitter, Barrie noticed Tillman’s ‘incredible feet’ when he was dribbling at pace in the build-up to Morelos scoring, even going as far as to call the piece of play ‘ridiculously good’:

“That is ridiculously good from Tillman. Incredible feet at pace! His cutback is converted by Morelos. 3-2 Rangers.”

The Verdict: Finding his form

Tillman looks to have found his form under the new manager, who will surely continue playing the Bayern Munich loanee from the start.

Aside from his two assists, he also won a team-high nine of his duels, and nobody on the pitch could match his three successful dribbles (SofaScore).

The attacking midfielder also made four key passes, and defensively, no Gers player could match his three clearances (SofaScore).

Nonetheless, this was an impressive performance from the 20-year-old, who is showing plenty of promise already under Beale.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s (KSA) Public Investment Fund (PIF) may now loan out Newcastle United gem Garang Kuol in the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: World Cup heartbreak

Kuol suffered heartbreak at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar as Australia were narrowly knocked out 2-1 by Argentina in the last-16 of the tournament.

The 18-year-old missed a late chance to take the South American heavyweights to extra-time, but still earned praise from Magpies legend Alan Shearer for his cameo, which had made him the youngest player to play a World Cup knockout match since Pele for Brazil in 1958 (The Chronicle).

The Latest: January offers

Writing in his latest piece for The Daily Telegraph, journalist Luke Edwards has revealed that the St. James’ Park outfit have been ‘inundated’ with loan offers for Kuol, and are ‘weighing up’ options from the Championship.

The Australian could also be sent abroad due to UK work permit issues, as he has not officially joined the North East club yet.

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The Verdict: Good call

Kuol arrives on Tyneside with a lot of promise, having previously been hailed as ‘unbelievable‘ by FC Barcelona manager and footballing legend Xavi after he was called up to an A-League All Stars squad to play the La Liga giants.

Kuol managed six goals and three assists in 15 games for Central Coast Mariners over the past two seasons (Transfermarkt), which earned him a call-up for the Socceroos for the World Cup at just 18.

He does not officially join Eddie Howe’s side until January, and with them sitting in third place in the Premier League table, they can afford to let Kuol leave on loan in order to further his development, before returning in the summer.

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in a deal to bring Stefan de Vrij to the Premier League in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Football Insider, who claim that Antonio Conte has already opened talks with the Inter Milan centre-back – with whom Spurs have been heavily linked ever since the 53-year-old’s arrival at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium – regarding a potential switch to north London this winter.

The report goes on to state that, despite the 30-year-old being informed by Nerazzurri chiefs that he will be offered a new deal at the San Siro, the Serie A side are yet to put a new contract on the table, something that is said to see the Netherlands international become available for a knockdown price in the January market.

Conte’s dream

With recent reports suggesting that Conte is looking to strengthen his defensive options ahead of the second half of the 2022/23 campaign, it is not difficult to see why the Italian would be keen on sealing a reunion with his former centre-back at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this winter.

Indeed, the 30-year-old was a crucial part of Conte’s title-winning Inter side back in 2020/21, with the £15.5m-rated talent helping the Nerazzurri keep 11 clean sheets over his 32 Serie A appearances, as well as making an average of 1.3 interceptions, 0.9 tackles, 2.9 clearances and winning 3.3 duels – at a success rate of 60% – per game.

The £118k-per-week defender also impressed going forwards, scoring one goal and creating one big chance, in addition to completing an average of 57.4 passes – at a success rate of 94% – playing 2.7 long balls and making 0.2 key passes per game – demonstrating his ability to play the ball out from the back.

These returns saw the player who Mauricio once dubbed a “monster” average a simply sensational SofaScore match rating of 7.03, ranking the centre-back as Conte’s 10th-best performer in the top flight of Italian football that season.

De Vrij also caught the eye for all the right reasons over his six Champions League fixtures that year, helping Inter keep two clean sheets, as well as making an average of 2.8 interceptions, one tackle, 2.5 clearances and completing 65.7 passes – at a success rate of 95% – per game.

These metrics saw the 59-cap international average an extremely impressive SofaScore match rating of 6.97, ranking him as the Nerazzurri’s joint fifth-best performer in Europe’s most prestigious club competition in 2020/21.

As such, considering just how much success Conte has enjoyed with the Dutchman in a three-man backline, De Vrij would very much appear to be a dream signing for Fabio Paratici to bring to Tottenham in January – especially if the defender is available for as little as £10m this winter.

Arsenal sporting director Edu is leading the race to sign Youri Tielemans.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report from Spain (via Sport Witness), which claims that, despite Barcelona already being in talks with the Leicester City midfielder regarding a move to Camp Nou on a free transfer next summer, it is Arsenal who are currently leading the race to sign the 25-year-old.

The report goes on to state that conversations between Edu and the Belgium international began several months ago and “everything seems to be on track” for the playmaker to join the Gunners, with the north London side even said to be willing to pay a fee to the Foxes in order to close the deal this winter.

Arteta’s biggest issue

Considering just how impressive Tielemans has been ever since his £40m permanent move to Leicester back in the summer of 2019, coupled with central midfield undoubtedly being a problem area of Mikel Arteta’s squad in terms of squad depth, it is easy to see why Edu would be interested in a deal to bring the Belgian to The Emirates this winter.

Indeed, over his 173 appearances for the Foxes, the £44m-rated talent has been a near-continuous source of creativity and goals from the heart of midfield, hitting the back of the net on 27 separate occasions and providing his teammates with a further 25 assists.

And, despite his side’s struggles in the league, the £35k-per-week playmaker has particularly impressed over his 14 appearances this season, scoring three goals, registering one assist and creating five big chances, as well as taking an average of one shot – 0.5 of which have been on target – and making 1.3 key passes per game.

The 54-cap international has also impressed in metrics more typical of his position, completing an average of 49.4 passes – at a success rate of 87% – playing 2.6 long balls, winning 2.1 tackles, making 0.8 interceptions and winning 4.1 duels – at a success rate of 59% – per fixture.

These returns have seen the 25-year-old who Jack Johnson dubbed “unreal” average a simply sensational SofaScore match rating of 7.25, not only ranking him as Leicester’s second-best performer in the league but also as the joint 24th-best player in the Premier League as a whole in the current campaign.

As such, it is evident that Tielemans would represent something of a perfect addition to the likes of Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka – both of whom the Belgian is currently outperforming – in the heart of the Arsenal side, leading us to believe that the midfielder’s signing would not only solve Arteta’s biggest issue this winter, but it might just win them the league.

Wolverhampton Wanderers’ attempts to find a new manager have been nothing short of a disaster in recent weeks and the club have now been forced to put their faith in Steve Davis as their interim boss for the foreseeable.

It first seemed as if the Old Gold would bring in Spanish manager Julen Lopetegui following his departure from Sevilla, only for the former Real Madrid boss to turn the opportunity down to the ill health of his father.

A number of other managerial options were touted before the club decided to put their faith in Queens Park Rangers manager Michael Beale after an impressive start to his managerial career which has the Hoops top of the Championship.

However, he would turn down a move to Molineux yesterday in what was another huge setback for Wolves, as it has now been nearly three weeks since Bruno Lage was sacked.

With the club in the relegation zone in the Premier League, ahead of a potential six-pointer against Leicester City on Sunday, it was imperative that they brought in a new number one in order to turn their fortunes around.

Strangely, it seems as if the Wolves board have grown tired of rejection, as it was confirmed late on Thursday that the club would be postponing their search for a new manager until 2023.

Express and Star journalist Liam Keen confirmed the news on Twitter, writing:

“Steve Davis will remain in charge of Wolves until the New Year. He will be assisted by James Collins and Tony Roberts, while the club are looking to add to the backroom staff.”

Davis’ tenure so far has seen Wolves pick up one win against Nottingham Forest, with disappointing defeats against Chelsea and Crystal Palace leaving the Old Gold just three points off the basement in the top flight.

The 57-year-old has a thankless task, as the Old Gold continue to struggle in front of goal, with just five goals in their 11 Premier League fixtures so far this season, which is unsurprisingly the fewest in the top flight.

While the former Crewe Alexandra boss might be able to provide a small bounce, the club arguably need a more experienced manager at the helm if they are going to get out of the messy situation they find themselves in, so it could prove to be a disastrous decision by Fosun – maybe their worst yet – to postpone their search for a new head coach.